The poet Mahabharata was woven by Vyasa Valmiki filled the cup with Ramayana rasa! Beauty against beast their topics The tragic tale of two epics! Rishis perceived Reality Ultimate Their literary creations fascinate The readers and writers alike To keep Consciousness awake! Epics shed light on Light of Light Critics see That as... Continue Reading →
Foreword to Rhyme and Rhythm
Foreword to "Rhyme and Rhythm" by Ihaparasowbhagyavathiseshanadarupini Brahama-rishi Smt. Umadevi Amma (reflecting the Inner Voice of Sadguru Sree Seshadri Swamigal) There is rhythm in everyone’s birth.There is rhyme in one’s everyday life. So the forces of rhyme and rhythm are with us always! we can witness rhyme and rhythm in the Parabrahman’s blessings on... Continue Reading →
Sita above Suspicion: Conclusion
Sita’s abduction, the killing of Ravana, the redemption and recovery of Sita, the suspicions against Sita who was irreproachable, her rejection by Sri Rama – all provide by far the greatest lessons in enlightenment for man and clues to permanent and impermanent values in human life. The undercurrent of thought is the Leela of the... Continue Reading →
The philosophical significance
The purpose of writing great epic of Ramayana, according to the author Valmiki himself, as is obvious from the 4th Sarga of Balakanda, is mainly to convey the philosophy of the Vedas to the public at large and for the dissemination of the Vedic tattva among all: “Vedopabrihmanaarthaaya thaavagraahayataha prabhuhu” The essence of... Continue Reading →
Vagaries of public suspicion
As the day dawned, Lakshmana and Sumantra left their camp on the banks of Gomathi river and proceeded towards Ayodhya. By afternoon their chariot reached the captivating city of Ayodhya. As they were approaching Sri Rama’s palace, Lakshmana was overcome by a new wave of sorrow. “What should I submit at the lotus feet of... Continue Reading →
Divine Will
Lakshmana sought to know from Sumantra what transpired in the past. Sumantra proceeded to recount what Durvasa had told Dasharata: “Lakshmana!” said he, “Once in the past, Durvasa, son of Atri Maharshi, chose to spend four months of austerities in a rainy season in Vashishta Maharshi’s ashram. At that time, your reputed father... Continue Reading →
Banishment cruel, says Lakshmana
Lakshmana saw from a distance Sita migrating to Valmiki’s ashram. The helpless one found the whole episode agonizing and he could not bear Sita’s predicament. Sumantra, the minister and the charioteer was engaged in conversation with Lakshmana. “Sarathi!” said Lakshmana, “Imagine Rama’s plight in getting estranged from Sita. What more sorrow can he expect than... Continue Reading →
Valmiki : Sita Above Reproach
Valmiki Maharshi came to know directly from the ashramites that a great virtuous woman looking like the veritable Lakshmi was crying and that she needed protection and shelter. He was able to know from his inner vision the identity of the dame in distress. He left the ashram immediately to meet her on the banks... Continue Reading →
Sita’s distress
Lakshmanasya vachaha srutwaa daarunam Janakaatmajaa, Param Vishaadam-aagamya Vydehee nipapaataha (U. Kan. Sar: 48 Sl; 1) Sita’s reaction to what Lakshmana said is obvious from the above sloka. It was so distressing to swallow them that she lost her balance and fell down. A little later, she recovered from the shock she sustained and said to... Continue Reading →
Sita banished to the forest
Swastwam prabhaate Soumitre Sumantra-adhishtittam ratham, Aaruhya Seetaam-aaropya vishayaante samut-srija (U. Kan. Sar 45; Sl. 16) At the height of sorrow, Sri Rama said: “Lakshmana! As the day dawns tomorrow, take Sita in the chariot driven by Sumantra and leave her outside the border of our kingdom. On the other side of the river Ganga, there... Continue Reading →